Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I have a barn swallow nest for the second time on my porch ledge up top.  The first time they had four babies and they fell out and onto the porch several times.  I put them back and eventually all four flew away.  This time, we came home from a week's vacation and there's a nest with five eggs.  I'm concerned they'll fall to the porch floor again as there is no surface next to the nest.  We're going on vacation July 4th and I'll have someone check on them a.m. and p.m. but should I try to add an extension of some sort??  Or will that disturb the process?  Help.  Thanks!

-Kristy Kennedy

ANSWER: Young birds do not usually fall from a nest as some people believe- they jump. Then, until they can fly, the parents take care of them. There is nothing you need to do.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Last year, a "bird expert" told me barn swallow parents won't feed babies on the ground...and I never did see them feed them on the ground...are you sure?  No offense!  I'd love to leave them alone and not worry!!!

Answer
Typically with swallows, they stay in the nest long enough so that they can fly right from the nest. Songbirds feed their young on the ground after they leave the nest and before they can fly. But sometimes swallows jump out if the nest is too crowded. However, it depends on the particular situation with swallows. If a young falls from the nest, the parents are not just going to abandon it. If they can see and find the young, they will attempt to feed it. If the young fall into water or a long distance away, they may not. Put parent birds just don't give up that easily. I always lean towards leaving nature alone, but if you feel more comfortable, you can put up an extension.